One of the greatest blessings about living here in the Pacific Northwest is the geographic diversity.  Mountain ranges, the ocean, inland sea passages, coves, lakes, rivers, hot springs, and old growth forest to name a few..  There is no reason to ever complain that there is nothing to do.. even in January!  This last weekend we had some time to explore and play, so we decided to head to Mount Rainier through Enumclaw.  We followed the White river, saw some beautiful scenery, and turned left at the highway closure sign to Crystal Mountain resort.  

It had been over 20 years since I had been to Crystal Mountain, and it has changed tremendously!  There is now a gondola that you can ride to the top of the ridge.  At the top you will find restrooms, connecting lifts, a gift shop, restaurant, and the most amazing view of Mount Rainier and the White River.  Definitely worth the $20 to ride the gondola to the top.  The food was pretty good too, especially the chili with corn bread in a dutch cast iron skillet (for two) at only $25 you get warmed up from the inside out, and get to enjoy an amazing view of the mountain with your meal!

We left Gig Harbor at 10am with coffee in hand, and breakfast taken care of.  We were enjoying lunch by 2:30 after several stops along the river on our way, and home by 6pm with another great experience & memory made.  Paradise is so easy to find here in the Pacific Northwest!

Looking for a home in the area?  Here are the waterfront homes currently for sale on the West Puget Sound.  West Puget Sound Waterfront Homes  If you would like some help in finding your piece of paradise here on the Puget Sound, I can help!  Extensive local area knowledge to help you find that perfect place to call home~

It's officially 2014, and we are one of the warmest places in the country right now!  Freezing temperatures have blanketed the majority of the US, and here we sit in our picture perfect Pacific Northwest.  So blessed!  And what about those Seahawks?  We are getting ready to host the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday for the NFC Championship.  The 49ers are my 2nd favorite team, and on any other day I would be cheering for them.. Not this Saturday!  GO HAWKS!!  http://www.seahawks.com/

With the arrival of 2014 the days continue to get longer.  Spring is just around the corner, and soon we will see bulbs blooming, trees budding, and warmer days approaching.  Spring also means traveling to my favorite places camping, hiking, hot springs, and discovering some new places along the way!  Washington is such a diverse, and beautiful state.  Even in the middle of winter~

Fall is here, and so are the leaves with all the colors!  So many places to explore and discover, and not really too far away.  Sunday was here, and the Seahawks weren't playing.  They were scheduled for a Monday night game which meant a free fall day to play, so we hit the road!  We headed south on I-5.  Our goal was to spend some time in Skamania County just south of Mount St. Helens and west of Mount Adams.  We headed south to Woodland where we departed I-5 for the mountains, trees, & rivers.  Although there was a lot of fog that day, the fall colors were spectacular.  We didn't get a chance to see what views may have been available of the mountains on our drive, but we didn't feel like we were missing out either.  After traveling along and passing three reservoirs we headed south toward the Columbia River.  Once arriving at the river we continued east until we reached the bridge that would take up over the river to Hood River, Oregon.  From there we headed west toward Portland making sure to travel on all the side roads so that we could see all the waterfalls along the way.  The entire trip took about 12 hours, but we stopped several times to take in the scenery.  I hope you enjoy the photos.  I know I sure enjoyed taking them!

Just a 30 minute ferry ride and you are away from it all on the Kitsap & Olympic Peninsulas. When was the last time you got away from it all?? Still many great deals to be found if you are looking for a 2nd home, investment property, vacation property, or to simply get away~

Are you ready?

So many places to explore on Kitsap Peninsula, and even farther west on the Olympic Peninsula.  If you like more trees than people, and trees that are taller than skyscrapers, clean rivers, turquoise lakes, fishing, diving, 

camping, hiking, beach combing, and some of the most spectacular scenery in the world 

head west from Seattle.  Hop on a ferry, and aim for the Hood Canal Bridge.  

Don't miss downtown Poulsbo when you pass by!

Once you pass over the Hood Canal Bridge you are officially on the Olympic Peninsula.  So much to explore and discover while you are here!  Continue to follow to see my favorite places in the 

West Puget Sound~

Sol Duc Falls, Sol Duc River - Olympic National Park

So many spectacular views in Western Washington!

Take a drive just about anywhere in Western Washington and be pleasantly surprised by all the splendor that surrounds you..  From evergreen trees that touch the clouds, to crystal clear river & streams, waterfalls, inlets, lakes, valleys, and the vast & powerful Pacific Ocean..  I only have one question.  Why would anyone live anywhere else??

I'm going to start sharing some of my photos, adventures, & experiences here in the Puget Sound for everyone to enjoy no matter where in the world they are today.  I hope you enjoy this amazing place I call home!

http://gigharborhomes.kwrealty.com/